Here is a run down of all the club rugby taking place across the Province this weekend.
This weekend our attention will be focused on the opening fixtures in the Six Nations with Section 1 clubs involved in a full league programme of fixtures in the Ulster Bank All Ireland League with seven matches being played on Friday night and three on Saturday evening.
We also have eight 2nd round ties in the River Rock Towns Cup being played on Saturday afternoon.
Last week all eleven Ulster UBL teams returned to competitive action in Section 1 and 2 of the Ulster Bank All Ireland League. Again it was a day of mixed results with Ballynahinch, Malone, Queens Uni, City of Derry and Rainey OB winning. Ballymena came back from a 13 – 0 half time deficit at Buccaneers to snatch a 13 – 13 draw.
Banbridge, Belfast Harlequins, Armagh, Dungannon and Bangor lost for the second weekend in a row. Not the start these teams were looking for in 2017.
Both Ballynahinch and Ballymena sit mid table in Div 1B with two points separating Old Wesley, Naas, Ballynahinch and Ballymena in 3rd to 6th place. Witha eight games remaining these two Ulster sides are very much in contention for a top four finish with the two teams meeting in a crucial UBL match at Eaton Park on Friday night with a 8PM kick off.
In Div 2A Malone extended their unbeaten run to five games as they sit alongside Highfield and Nenagh Ormond at the top on 36 points. Queens are in 4th place a further three points behind with Banbridge in 5th place, five points behind the top three sides on the back of three UBL defeats. Belfast Harlequins went down 25 – 24 to neighbours Queens Uni at the Dub Arena. They remain in 10th place on five points and are thirteen points behind 9th place Cashel. With seven matches remaining can Quins do a City of Derry and turn around their season.
In Div 2B league leaders Armagh went down to a second successive defeat that has narrowed their lead in 1st place to one point with seven matches remaining. Dungannon lost their fourth UBL match to slip down to 6th place, ten points behind 4th place Wanderers.
City of Derry have turned around their season to win their last three UBL games. They have moved up to 9th place, four points behind 8th place Skerries.
In Div 2C Rainey OB are one point behind league leaders Navan in 2nd place with seven games remaining. Bangor lost their fourth successive match in the UBL. They have slipped out of the top four down into 6th place. They are twelve points behind 4th place Tullamore and ten points ahead of 9th place Seapoint. Newly promoted to the UBL this season the Seasiders need to start picking up league points.
In the Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship Instonians, Omagh and Ballyclare are separated by three points with five matches remaining. Omagh also have the advantage of rearranged game at home to Ards to play. With five of these six games at the Thomas Mellon Playing Fields with one game away to Cooke. The County Tyrone side would have to be favourites for the league title with Instonians and Ballyclare having to make that journey west with Instonians having to play Ballyclare at the Cloughan. Fascinating finish coming up between the 11th February and the 18th March.
Portadown remain favourites for the 4th place and qualification for the AIL Junior Cup. Nine points now separate Enniskillen, Cooke, Clogher Valley, Carrickfergus and Dromore in 5th – 9th place with these five sides looking to avoid finishing in 9th place and the playoffs. Newly promoted Enniskillen have lost 5/6 of their last league games after a promising start to their season. Ards continue to show improvement as they led Ballyclare 8 -7 at half time before going down 34 – 13 at the Cloughan last weekend.
In Div 2 Coleraine retain their six point advantage over 2nd place CIYMS with a game in hand. The North coast side are favourites to win the league with their next four league games at home against Larne, Academy, UUC and Lisburn with one home game against Randalstown to be rearranged. Their two remaining league games are away to Grosvenor and Donaghadee.
CIYMS remain the favourites to finish in 2nd place. They find themselves only four points ahead of an inform Grosvenor team in 3rd place with Academy and Limavady losing ground after defeats against Lisburn and Larne.
Perhaps the result of the day was Lisburn coming back from 30 – 6 down in the second half of their match at Academy to score twenty six unanswered points in 25 minutes to win 32 – 30 at Roughfort. This result has eased the relegation worries of the Blaris side as they opened up a ten point gap on 9th place UUC with six matches remaining.
In Div 3 unbeaten league leaders Ballymoney went down 17 – 13 to an inform Newry team. This defeat allowed the PSNI to move into 1st place one point ahead of Ballymoney who have two games in hand. Lurgan in 3rd place scored sixteen tries in defeating visitors Monaghan 102 – 19 at Pollack Park to keep up their promotion challenge with Jordan McIIwaine finishing with a personal tally of 47 points after scoring five tries and kicking eleven conversions.
We have the 2nd round of the River Rock sponsored Towns Cup with Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup holders Ballynahinch seconds hoping to complete a Cup double this season. This weekend we see eight of the Div 1 sides enter the second round after being given a bye in the 1st round. Both Div 1 league contenders Omagh and Ballyclare face difficult away trips to play Armagh seconds and Portadown with Instonians not entering the McCrea Cup the South Belfast side will have no Cup distractions before resuming their pursuit of the league title with five games remaining.
Bangor are the current holders of the Towns Cup after defeating Enniskillen 31 – 25 in last season's final. They are represented by the clubs second xv who won their opening match at City of Derry to draw Larne at home in the second round. Clogher Valley have contested seven of the last eleven finals, winning four. Their priority is to retain their league position in Div 1. Can the Fivemiletown side set aside their indifferent league form to be serious contenders. Ballynahinch seconds won the trophy in 2015 with Ballyclare sharing the trophy in 2013 with City of Derry.
Of the sixteen teams competing in the second round, we have eight Div 1 teams, Five UBL second xv sides with three of these teams playing their rugby in the Ulster Provincial league Div 1. Two Div 2 sides in Larne and Randalstown with Div 3 leaders Ballymoney travelling to Carrickfergus. Can Randalstown upset Ards at Hamilton Park. Could we see Armagh seconds, Dungannon seconds and Bangor seconds progressing to the last eight. With the Section 2 UBL teams having a break from league action this week the UBL 2nd xv teams will be much stronger this weekend.
This month we witnessed the launch of the 38th Irwin’s Bakery Nutty Krust Sponsored Under 18 Rugby Tournament at Portadown Rugby Club.
Ten teams entered the competition with a draw placing them in three groups. Home side Portadown were drawn to play Malone in a preliminary match on Wednesday 26th January with the Belfast visitors winning 41 – 7.
Matches will continue every Wednesday night with a 7.45 PM kick off.
The ten teams taking part are: Portadown, Malone, Ballymena, Dungannon, Banbridge, Rainey OB, Ballynahinch, Omagh, Enniskillen and Armagh.
Group fixtures will take place between the 1st February and the 29th March with the three group winners along with the highest placed runner- up going into the semi final draw with matches to be played on the 11th/12th April with the Final to be staged on Wednesday the 26th April.
If you want to keep up to date with the matches in the tournament, the Total Rugby Supplement published each Tuesday in the News Letter will keep you posted on the progress of your team.
Upcoming Nutty Krust U18 tournament fixtures:
1st February Dungannon v Ballymena
8th February Banbridge v Rainey OB
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE DIV 1A (Round 11/18)
Playing Friday 3.2.17. Kick off 7.30PM
Clontarf (4) v Terenure College (10)
Garryowen (5) v Young Munster (2)
Lansdowne (1) v St Mary’s College (8)
Old Belvedere (6) v UCD (7)
Playing Saturday 4.2.17. Kick off 4.30PM
Cork Constitution (3) v Dublin Uni (9)
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE DIV 1B (Round 11/18)
Playing Friday 3.2.17. Kick off 7.30PM unless stated.
Ballymena (6) v Ballynahinch (5). Kick off 8PM
Dolphin (10) v UCC (8)
Galwegians (7) v Buccaneers (1)
Playing Saturday 4.2.17. Kick off 4.30PM
Old Wesley (3) v Shannon(9)
UL Bohemians (2) v Naas (4)
Ballymena v Ballynahinch
Crucial game for both these two Ulster teams in the Ulster Bank League. Ballynahinch returned to winning ways with a bonus point in their 30 – 8 win over Dolphin at Ballymacarn Park with Ulster players Peter Nelson and David Busby amongst the try scorers. Ballymena left Dubarry Park in Athlone after a 13 – 13 draw with league leaders Buccaneers. It was a game of two halves with the wind a deciding factor.
Ballymena have Ulster players Stephen Mulholland, Matty Rea, Brett Herron, and Mark Best released for Friday night. Both Alan O’Connor and Ricky Lutton who played at Buccaneers have not been released along with John Andrews and David Shanahan. Injury rules out Adam McBurney, Ross Kane, Michael Lagan and Conal Boomer. Bryan Young is unavailable with Aidrian Kirkpatrick returning to the front row.
Callum Patterson, John Creighton, Connor Smyth and Chris Cundell who have been part of the successful Ulster A squad are also included.
Ballymena 1 – 20 Adrian Kirkpatrick, James Taggart, Chris Cundell, Connor Smyth, David Whann, Stephen Mulholland, Tony McGuinness, Matty Rea, John Creighton, Brett Herron, Mark Best, Marty Irwin (Captain), Callum Patterson, James Beattie, Rodger McBurney. Replacements from Andrew Cundell, James Gallagher, Glenn Baillie, Richie McMaster and Jonny Rossborough with one additional front row replacement to be confirmed.
Ballynahinch are impacted by injuries in the front row that continue to rule out Ulster players Craig Trenier and Jonny Murphy. For Friday night Ulster players Peter Nelson, David Busby, John Donnan, Lorcan Dow and Conor Joyce have been released with Angus Lloyd not released by Munster. Jonny McPhillips is involved with the Ireland under 20 squad.
Ballynahinch 1 – 20 Chris Stevenson, Joe Roe, Stuart Orr, James Simpson, John Donnan, Lorcan Dow, Conor Joyce, Mike Graham (Captain), Blane McIIroy, Ross Carlisle, David Nicholson, Jordan Gratton, Stuart Morrow, David Busby, Peter Nelson, Replacements from Jonny Blair, Andrew Harper, Callum Irvine, Gareth Gill, Justin Rea and Will Stewart.
Ballymena Head coach Andy Graham was disappointed his team did not pick all four points against Buccaneers. In a disappointing 1st half Ballymena went behind to an early try to go in at halftime 13 – 0 down. Having not played for thee weeks the coach felt his team were rusty in the first forty minutes even though they were unlucky not to snatch a try just before half time. Not having played a game in the UBL since the 3rd December had contributed to that lack of cohesion in their play.
The second half belonged to Ballymena with the wind advantage. What let the side down was a lack of composure by not playing more phases and steadying themselves in the right areas of the pitch. The coach was impressed by the improvement in Buccaneers set piece play under the guidance of former Connacht players Brett Wilkinson and Nathan White.
He is hoping his team can win on Friday night and put together a 2/3 match winning run to build confidence. His players are looking forward to this Ulster derby after beating Hinch at Ballymacarn Park in a game that could have went either way. Eaton Park under the floodlights is a perfect setting for this match. He believes there will be a few twists and turns in this league with eight games remaining.
When these two sides met on the 26th November 2016 Ballymena were 28 – 18 winners.
ULSTER RUGBY 2ND XV LEAGUE
Malone seconds v Belfast Harlequins seconds. Kick off 1PM
RIVER ROCK TOWNS CUP 2ND ROUND
Ards v Randalstown. Kick off 12.45PM
Armagh seconds v Omagh
Ballynahinch seconds v Dromore
Bangor seconds v Larne. Kick off 1PM
Carrickfergus v Ballymoney
Clogher Valley v Rainey OB seconds
Dungannon seconds v Enniskillen
Portadown v Ballyclare
Ards v Randalstown
Interesting Cup tie at Hamilton Park this week. Ards have not won a match since their opening day 15 -12 win over Ballymena seconds at Eaton Park in the Conference league. With John West and Scott Young having taken over as the 1st xv coaches, the team has shown considerable improvement in defeats against Clogher Valley, Portadown and Omagh. Last Saturday they led title contenders Ballyclare 8 – 7 at the Cloughan before going down 34 – 13.
Coach John West thought his Ards team were good in the first half against Ballyclare. The forwards worked very hard and he felt his players had the better of Ballyclare in those opening forty minutes despite a few changes. Under Scott Young the backs have been coming together with the players scoring several team tries.
He is aware that Randalstown under Head coach Gary Longwell are a well drilled side and will be tough opposition. The coach is hoping to have a full squad to select from.
Randalstown Head coach Gary Longwell and his players are looking forward to this game after losing 26 – 0 at home to Div 2 league leaders Coleraine last week. He thought Coleraine fully deserved their win as they are an excellent team.
He is aware that Ards are an improving team after a slow start and have been competitive in recent weeks.
The coach is also aware his Randalstown players will not fear Ards after losing 27 – 20 at Instonians in the Junior Cup.
Armagh seconds v Omagh
Could we see an upset at the Palace grounds in this match on Saturday. Armagh seconds finished 3rd in the Conference league Div 2 after a strong finish behind CIYMS and Coleraine. They recorded a 46 – 8 win over Limavady in their first round match on the 7th January 2017 and are capable of a good run in the Towns Cup this season.
Omagh Head coach Phil Marshall faces several selection decisions before the team is finalised for this week. Injuries rule out several players with centre Yonga Taleni added to the list after fracturing his ankle at Portadown. His first choice centre pairing of Alan Heaney and Adam Stephenson remain on the injured list along with full back Alastair Beckett. Hooker Richard Hemphill is unavailable due to work commitments with Mervyn Edgar on holidays.Influential number 8 James Catterson is rested this weekend with a number of players away to the Scotland v Ireland match.
The opportunity is available for the coach to experiment this week with several of the 2nd xv players getting the chance to impress.
Two more league wins will guarantee this Omagh team a top four finish and qualification for the All Ireland Junior Cup next season. The coach views the next three league games against Clogher, Instonians and Ballyclare as season defining for his playing squad.
Ballynahinch seconds v Dromore
This will be the third meeting between these two sides this season at Ballymacarn Park. Ballynahinch defeated Dromore 36 – 5 in the quarter finals of the Junior Cup on the 5.11.16 and 29 – 3 in the Conference league on the 31.12.16.
Ballynahinch seconds won the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup before Xmas and will be looking to make it a Cup double. Their team for this week has a familiar look about it with experienced players like Kenny Morton, Andy Simpson, Stuart Evans and Keith Dickson in the forwards. Captain James McBriar and Jonny Murdock provide the experience at 9 and 10 along with the attacking flair provided by Chris Orr, Callum McLaughlin, Aaron Ferris and Paddy Wright. In addition the bench replacements for the 1st xv on Friday night at Ballymena: Jonny Blair, Andrew Harper, Gareth Gill, Justin Rea and Will Stewart all played in the 34 – 3 win over Coleraine in the 1st round.
Coach Chris Parker is expecting to field a similar team to the side that defeated Armagh seconds 38 – 9 last week. Keith Dickson is available again and will come into consideration for a starting place in the back row. Paddy Wright picked up a bang on his knee at the weekend with his fitness delayed until Thursday night.
For Dromore their priority is to retain their place in Div 1 of the Kukri Ulster rugby championship. A much needed 19 – 19 draw at Cooke will have helped to lift morale after a four match losing run that started at Ballynahinch on the 31st December. Dromore’s points scorers against Cooke included tries scored by Michael Harshaw, Matty Russell and John Russell with scrum half Lee Steenson kicking two conversions.
Player coach Jonny Cullen has had to deal with an ever lengthening injury list after they defeated Omagh 21 – 15 at Barben Hill on the 17.12.16 with the coach himself being added to the injury list after dislocating his elbow. With three 1st xv props out injured along with Adam McDonald and Ali Kinghan the clubs physio Jeremy Ogle has his work cut out to get Adam McGregor, Michael Allen. Sam Russell and Ryan Cobb back to match fitness for the teams final league run in.
Bangor seconds v Larne
With Bangor 1st xv promoted to the Ulster Bank All Ireland League this season Bangor seconds are representing the club in the Towns Cup. They are determined to hold on to the Cup won by their 1st xv last season. They made a good start by winning their opening 1st round match away to City of Derry seconds. They face a talented Larne side who won their opening Towns Cup match at Virginia.
Both teams are in good form with Bangor seconds 4th in Div 1 of the Ulster rugby Provincial league and Larne 6th in Div 2 of the Kukri Ulster rugby championship. Bangor seconds defeated Dungannon seconds 11 – 10 at home last Saturday with Larne coming back from a 22 – 18 half time deficit at home to Limavady to win 30 – 22.
Bangor picked up another two concussion injuries in the 1st xv defeat at Bruff to add to their ever growing injury list. The impact has been that Bangor are resting players who would have played for the seconds with a crucial UBL match coming up next week away to Seapoint.
Despite all the set backs Bangor are going to have a good go at winning on Saturday as the team look to defend the Towns Cup.
Selection 1 – 17 includes Connor McIImurray, Charlie Clegg, Ben Worthington, Glenn Burton, James Stewart, James McMullan, James Ferguson, Conor Piper, Shaun Fair, Keith Rossan (Captain), David Charles, Taylor Ferguson, Adam McCusker. Full back position will be filled following a couple of late fitness tests on Thursday.
Larne Head coach Laurence Kelly was full of praise for the determination and pride shown by his players to defeat an inform Limavady team at the Glynn on Saturday. The players stuck to the game plan with Captain Eddie Hunter having an outstanding game at number 8. This week the coach will be fielding a weaker side due to the early kick off at 1 PM with several players away to the Scotland v Ireland game. His players will give it everything in their attempt to win this match at Upritchard Park.
Carrickfergus v Ballymoney
There was relief for Carrick coaches Davy Scott and Michael Rainey at the Tom Simms Memorial grounds last week, when the 1st xv ended a losing run to defeat Enniskillen 29 – 0. The priority for this Carrick side is to secure their place in Div 1 this season after winning promotion. Can a Cup run add to the potential for this playing squad to challenge for some silverware in the second half of the season
Ballymoney will be go into this match as the under dogs. With nothing to lose coaches Jonny Hanna and James Cleland will be looking to their players to put up a performance against a Div 1 side after being relegated form DIv 1 to Div 3 in successive seasons. The goal for the Kilraughts team is to play their way back up the leagues. Despite losing at Newry last Sat, Ballymoney remain favourites to win Div 3 and make a quick return to Div 2.
Clogher Valley v Rainey OB seconds
Back to back defeats against Instonians and Portadown in Div 1 have seen Clogher Valley slip back down into the battle to avoid finishing in 9th place and the playoffs. The goal for the Fivemiletown team will be to pick up valuable league points from their remaining five league games. One of the dilemmas for the Clogher side this season is not having a recognised place kicker. Despite scoring three tries in each of their last three matches they have won one and lost two.
Clogher had hoped to have the experienced Philip Home restored at out half after being out for several months with an injury with young Neil Trotter pressed into the kicking duties at scrum half in his absence. Like several Div 1 teams competing in the Towns Cup 2nd round their focus is on picking up league points from their remaining league games with their next two matches against Omagh and Ballyclare.
Clogher retain the same team that lost 30 – 19 at home to league leaders Instonians. Andy Breen returns to take his place in the centre with Philip Wilson returning to full back. Neil Cullen moves to the wing with Timmy Moore dropping down from the squad.
In the forwards the unavailable Ian Mulligan is replaced by Alex McKeown in the back row. Jonny Trimble keeps his place in the second row after a good performance against Instonians. Ronan McAleer comes on to the bench to replace the injured Philip Moore.
Clogher Valley are expecting a big crowd because of the clubs ties with Rainey through Derek Lee.
Rainey seconds were comfortable 42 – 18 winners at Donaghadee in the 1st round.
Dungannon seconds v Enniskillen
Another match that will attract a big crowd. Enniskillen are on a poor run with Head coach William Gibson looking a morale boosting win to kick start their season. Dungannon seconds have come through wins over Ballymena seconds and Lurgan 60 – 12 to start as firm favourites in this tie at Stevenson Park. Dungannon seconds slipped up at Bangor seconds last week losing 11 – 10 after defeating Provincial league Div 1 leaders Ballynahinch thirds at Stevenson Park. The addition of three Dilworth College players from New Zealand has boosted the Cup ambitions of this Dungannon team. The three players scored Dungannon’s four tries in their 27 – 17 win over Ballynahinch.
Portadown v Ballyclare
Head coach Richard Hedley was disappointed to see his team lose their league game on Saturday against Omagh 25 -13. His team had led 10 – 7 at the break and 13 – 10 in the second half before Omagh scored fifteen unanswered points to win. Portadown had lost their half backs Brian Forristal and Michael Orr to injury early in the match. Despite these set backs they reorganised and were hoping to build on their recent performances against Clogher Valley , Instonians and Ards.
Ballyclare Head coach Mike McKeever was impressed by the pace, strength and force Ards brought to their game at Ballyclare last week. They looked far from a side who are at the bottom of the league with only one point. He thought Stewart Paul playing out of position at scrum half assisted his team with the structure, energy, direction and leadership he brought to the team.
With Ballyclare in contention for the league title in Div 1 the coach will go with his strongest team in the first of back to back games with Portadown in the Cup this week at Chambers Park and the league at the Cloughan on Saturday week. He is also keen to rotate a few players to provide opportunity within the extended squad. With it being a Cup game the team get to play slightly differently to how they play in the league. The coach welcomes back Niall Lawther and Robbie Reid in the backs who were unavailable for the last two league games.
Both these teams met in the league at Chambers Park on the 8.10.16 with the home side winning 23 – 15.
This weekend our attention will be focused on the opening fixtures in the Six Nations with Section 1 clubs involved in a full league programme of fixtures in the Ulster Bank All Ireland League with seven matches being played on Friday night and three on Saturday evening.
We also have eight 2nd round ties in the River Rock Towns Cup being played on Saturday afternoon.
Last week all eleven Ulster UBL teams returned to competitive action in Section 1 and 2 of the Ulster Bank All Ireland League. Again it was a day of mixed results with Ballynahinch, Malone, Queens Uni, City of Derry and Rainey OB winning. Ballymena came back from a 13 – 0 half time deficit at Buccaneers to snatch a 13 – 13 draw.
Banbridge, Belfast Harlequins, Armagh, Dungannon and Bangor lost for the second weekend in a row. Not the start these teams were looking for in 2017.
Both Ballynahinch and Ballymena sit mid table in Div 1B with two points separating Old Wesley, Naas, Ballynahinch and Ballymena in 3rd to 6th place. Witha eight games remaining these two Ulster sides are very much in contention for a top four finish with the two teams meeting in a crucial UBL match at Eaton Park on Friday night with a 8PM kick off.
In Div 2A Malone extended their unbeaten run to five games as they sit alongside Highfield and Nenagh Ormond at the top on 36 points. Queens are in 4th place a further three points behind with Banbridge in 5th place, five points behind the top three sides on the back of three UBL defeats. Belfast Harlequins went down 25 – 24 to neighbours Queens Uni at the Dub Arena. They remain in 10th place on five points and are thirteen points behind 9th place Cashel. With seven matches remaining can Quins do a City of Derry and turn around their season.
In Div 2B league leaders Armagh went down to a second successive defeat that has narrowed their lead in 1st place to one point with seven matches remaining. Dungannon lost their fourth UBL match to slip down to 6th place, ten points behind 4th place Wanderers.
City of Derry have turned around their season to win their last three UBL games. They have moved up to 9th place, four points behind 8th place Skerries.
In Div 2C Rainey OB are one point behind league leaders Navan in 2nd place with seven games remaining. Bangor lost their fourth successive match in the UBL. They have slipped out of the top four down into 6th place. They are twelve points behind 4th place Tullamore and ten points ahead of 9th place Seapoint. Newly promoted to the UBL this season the Seasiders need to start picking up league points.
In the Kukri Ulster Rugby Championship Instonians, Omagh and Ballyclare are separated by three points with five matches remaining. Omagh also have the advantage of rearranged game at home to Ards to play. With five of these six games at the Thomas Mellon Playing Fields with one game away to Cooke. The County Tyrone side would have to be favourites for the league title with Instonians and Ballyclare having to make that journey west with Instonians having to play Ballyclare at the Cloughan. Fascinating finish coming up between the 11th February and the 18th March.
Portadown remain favourites for the 4th place and qualification for the AIL Junior Cup. Nine points now separate Enniskillen, Cooke, Clogher Valley, Carrickfergus and Dromore in 5th – 9th place with these five sides looking to avoid finishing in 9th place and the playoffs. Newly promoted Enniskillen have lost 5/6 of their last league games after a promising start to their season. Ards continue to show improvement as they led Ballyclare 8 -7 at half time before going down 34 – 13 at the Cloughan last weekend.
In Div 2 Coleraine retain their six point advantage over 2nd place CIYMS with a game in hand. The North coast side are favourites to win the league with their next four league games at home against Larne, Academy, UUC and Lisburn with one home game against Randalstown to be rearranged. Their two remaining league games are away to Grosvenor and Donaghadee.
CIYMS remain the favourites to finish in 2nd place. They find themselves only four points ahead of an inform Grosvenor team in 3rd place with Academy and Limavady losing ground after defeats against Lisburn and Larne.
Perhaps the result of the day was Lisburn coming back from 30 – 6 down in the second half of their match at Academy to score twenty six unanswered points in 25 minutes to win 32 – 30 at Roughfort. This result has eased the relegation worries of the Blaris side as they opened up a ten point gap on 9th place UUC with six matches remaining.
In Div 3 unbeaten league leaders Ballymoney went down 17 – 13 to an inform Newry team. This defeat allowed the PSNI to move into 1st place one point ahead of Ballymoney who have two games in hand. Lurgan in 3rd place scored sixteen tries in defeating visitors Monaghan 102 – 19 at Pollack Park to keep up their promotion challenge with Jordan McIIwaine finishing with a personal tally of 47 points after scoring five tries and kicking eleven conversions.
We have the 2nd round of the River Rock sponsored Towns Cup with Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup holders Ballynahinch seconds hoping to complete a Cup double this season. This weekend we see eight of the Div 1 sides enter the second round after being given a bye in the 1st round. Both Div 1 league contenders Omagh and Ballyclare face difficult away trips to play Armagh seconds and Portadown with Instonians not entering the McCrea Cup the South Belfast side will have no Cup distractions before resuming their pursuit of the league title with five games remaining.
Bangor are the current holders of the Towns Cup after defeating Enniskillen 31 – 25 in last season's final. They are represented by the clubs second xv who won their opening match at City of Derry to draw Larne at home in the second round. Clogher Valley have contested seven of the last eleven finals, winning four. Their priority is to retain their league position in Div 1. Can the Fivemiletown side set aside their indifferent league form to be serious contenders. Ballynahinch seconds won the trophy in 2015 with Ballyclare sharing the trophy in 2013 with City of Derry.
Of the sixteen teams competing in the second round, we have eight Div 1 teams, Five UBL second xv sides with three of these teams playing their rugby in the Ulster Provincial league Div 1. Two Div 2 sides in Larne and Randalstown with Div 3 leaders Ballymoney travelling to Carrickfergus. Can Randalstown upset Ards at Hamilton Park. Could we see Armagh seconds, Dungannon seconds and Bangor seconds progressing to the last eight. With the Section 2 UBL teams having a break from league action this week the UBL 2nd xv teams will be much stronger this weekend.
This month we witnessed the launch of the 38th Irwin’s Bakery Nutty Krust Sponsored Under 18 Rugby Tournament at Portadown Rugby Club.
Ten teams entered the competition with a draw placing them in three groups. Home side Portadown were drawn to play Malone in a preliminary match on Wednesday 26th January with the Belfast visitors winning 41 – 7.
Matches will continue every Wednesday night with a 7.45 PM kick off.
The ten teams taking part are: Portadown, Malone, Ballymena, Dungannon, Banbridge, Rainey OB, Ballynahinch, Omagh, Enniskillen and Armagh.
Group fixtures will take place between the 1st February and the 29th March with the three group winners along with the highest placed runner- up going into the semi final draw with matches to be played on the 11th/12th April with the Final to be staged on Wednesday the 26th April.
If you want to keep up to date with the matches in the tournament, the Total Rugby Supplement published each Tuesday in the News Letter will keep you posted on the progress of your team.
Upcoming Nutty Krust U18 tournament fixtures:
1st February Dungannon v Ballymena
8th February Banbridge v Rainey OB
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE DIV 1A (Round 11/18)
Playing Friday 3.2.17. Kick off 7.30PM
Clontarf (4) v Terenure College (10)
Garryowen (5) v Young Munster (2)
Lansdowne (1) v St Mary’s College (8)
Old Belvedere (6) v UCD (7)
Playing Saturday 4.2.17. Kick off 4.30PM
Cork Constitution (3) v Dublin Uni (9)
ULSTER BANK ALL IRELAND LEAGUE DIV 1B (Round 11/18)
Playing Friday 3.2.17. Kick off 7.30PM unless stated.
Ballymena (6) v Ballynahinch (5). Kick off 8PM
Dolphin (10) v UCC (8)
Galwegians (7) v Buccaneers (1)
Playing Saturday 4.2.17. Kick off 4.30PM
Old Wesley (3) v Shannon(9)
UL Bohemians (2) v Naas (4)
Ballymena v Ballynahinch
Crucial game for both these two Ulster teams in the Ulster Bank League. Ballynahinch returned to winning ways with a bonus point in their 30 – 8 win over Dolphin at Ballymacarn Park with Ulster players Peter Nelson and David Busby amongst the try scorers. Ballymena left Dubarry Park in Athlone after a 13 – 13 draw with league leaders Buccaneers. It was a game of two halves with the wind a deciding factor.
Ballymena have Ulster players Stephen Mulholland, Matty Rea, Brett Herron, and Mark Best released for Friday night. Both Alan O’Connor and Ricky Lutton who played at Buccaneers have not been released along with John Andrews and David Shanahan. Injury rules out Adam McBurney, Ross Kane, Michael Lagan and Conal Boomer. Bryan Young is unavailable with Aidrian Kirkpatrick returning to the front row.
Callum Patterson, John Creighton, Connor Smyth and Chris Cundell who have been part of the successful Ulster A squad are also included.
Ballymena 1 – 20 Adrian Kirkpatrick, James Taggart, Chris Cundell, Connor Smyth, David Whann, Stephen Mulholland, Tony McGuinness, Matty Rea, John Creighton, Brett Herron, Mark Best, Marty Irwin (Captain), Callum Patterson, James Beattie, Rodger McBurney. Replacements from Andrew Cundell, James Gallagher, Glenn Baillie, Richie McMaster and Jonny Rossborough with one additional front row replacement to be confirmed.
Ballynahinch are impacted by injuries in the front row that continue to rule out Ulster players Craig Trenier and Jonny Murphy. For Friday night Ulster players Peter Nelson, David Busby, John Donnan, Lorcan Dow and Conor Joyce have been released with Angus Lloyd not released by Munster. Jonny McPhillips is involved with the Ireland under 20 squad.
Ballynahinch 1 – 20 Chris Stevenson, Joe Roe, Stuart Orr, James Simpson, John Donnan, Lorcan Dow, Conor Joyce, Mike Graham (Captain), Blane McIIroy, Ross Carlisle, David Nicholson, Jordan Gratton, Stuart Morrow, David Busby, Peter Nelson, Replacements from Jonny Blair, Andrew Harper, Callum Irvine, Gareth Gill, Justin Rea and Will Stewart.
Ballymena Head coach Andy Graham was disappointed his team did not pick all four points against Buccaneers. In a disappointing 1st half Ballymena went behind to an early try to go in at halftime 13 – 0 down. Having not played for thee weeks the coach felt his team were rusty in the first forty minutes even though they were unlucky not to snatch a try just before half time. Not having played a game in the UBL since the 3rd December had contributed to that lack of cohesion in their play.
The second half belonged to Ballymena with the wind advantage. What let the side down was a lack of composure by not playing more phases and steadying themselves in the right areas of the pitch. The coach was impressed by the improvement in Buccaneers set piece play under the guidance of former Connacht players Brett Wilkinson and Nathan White.
He is hoping his team can win on Friday night and put together a 2/3 match winning run to build confidence. His players are looking forward to this Ulster derby after beating Hinch at Ballymacarn Park in a game that could have went either way. Eaton Park under the floodlights is a perfect setting for this match. He believes there will be a few twists and turns in this league with eight games remaining.
When these two sides met on the 26th November 2016 Ballymena were 28 – 18 winners.
ULSTER RUGBY 2ND XV LEAGUE
Malone seconds v Belfast Harlequins seconds. Kick off 1PM
RIVER ROCK TOWNS CUP 2ND ROUND
Ards v Randalstown. Kick off 12.45PM
Armagh seconds v Omagh
Ballynahinch seconds v Dromore
Bangor seconds v Larne. Kick off 1PM
Carrickfergus v Ballymoney
Clogher Valley v Rainey OB seconds
Dungannon seconds v Enniskillen
Portadown v Ballyclare
Ards v Randalstown
Interesting Cup tie at Hamilton Park this week. Ards have not won a match since their opening day 15 -12 win over Ballymena seconds at Eaton Park in the Conference league. With John West and Scott Young having taken over as the 1st xv coaches, the team has shown considerable improvement in defeats against Clogher Valley, Portadown and Omagh. Last Saturday they led title contenders Ballyclare 8 – 7 at the Cloughan before going down 34 – 13.
Coach John West thought his Ards team were good in the first half against Ballyclare. The forwards worked very hard and he felt his players had the better of Ballyclare in those opening forty minutes despite a few changes. Under Scott Young the backs have been coming together with the players scoring several team tries.
He is aware that Randalstown under Head coach Gary Longwell are a well drilled side and will be tough opposition. The coach is hoping to have a full squad to select from.
Randalstown Head coach Gary Longwell and his players are looking forward to this game after losing 26 – 0 at home to Div 2 league leaders Coleraine last week. He thought Coleraine fully deserved their win as they are an excellent team.
He is aware that Ards are an improving team after a slow start and have been competitive in recent weeks.
The coach is also aware his Randalstown players will not fear Ards after losing 27 – 20 at Instonians in the Junior Cup.
Armagh seconds v Omagh
Could we see an upset at the Palace grounds in this match on Saturday. Armagh seconds finished 3rd in the Conference league Div 2 after a strong finish behind CIYMS and Coleraine. They recorded a 46 – 8 win over Limavady in their first round match on the 7th January 2017 and are capable of a good run in the Towns Cup this season.
Omagh Head coach Phil Marshall faces several selection decisions before the team is finalised for this week. Injuries rule out several players with centre Yonga Taleni added to the list after fracturing his ankle at Portadown. His first choice centre pairing of Alan Heaney and Adam Stephenson remain on the injured list along with full back Alastair Beckett. Hooker Richard Hemphill is unavailable due to work commitments with Mervyn Edgar on holidays.Influential number 8 James Catterson is rested this weekend with a number of players away to the Scotland v Ireland match.
The opportunity is available for the coach to experiment this week with several of the 2nd xv players getting the chance to impress.
Two more league wins will guarantee this Omagh team a top four finish and qualification for the All Ireland Junior Cup next season. The coach views the next three league games against Clogher, Instonians and Ballyclare as season defining for his playing squad.
Ballynahinch seconds v Dromore
This will be the third meeting between these two sides this season at Ballymacarn Park. Ballynahinch defeated Dromore 36 – 5 in the quarter finals of the Junior Cup on the 5.11.16 and 29 – 3 in the Conference league on the 31.12.16.
Ballynahinch seconds won the Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup before Xmas and will be looking to make it a Cup double. Their team for this week has a familiar look about it with experienced players like Kenny Morton, Andy Simpson, Stuart Evans and Keith Dickson in the forwards. Captain James McBriar and Jonny Murdock provide the experience at 9 and 10 along with the attacking flair provided by Chris Orr, Callum McLaughlin, Aaron Ferris and Paddy Wright. In addition the bench replacements for the 1st xv on Friday night at Ballymena: Jonny Blair, Andrew Harper, Gareth Gill, Justin Rea and Will Stewart all played in the 34 – 3 win over Coleraine in the 1st round.
Coach Chris Parker is expecting to field a similar team to the side that defeated Armagh seconds 38 – 9 last week. Keith Dickson is available again and will come into consideration for a starting place in the back row. Paddy Wright picked up a bang on his knee at the weekend with his fitness delayed until Thursday night.
For Dromore their priority is to retain their place in Div 1 of the Kukri Ulster rugby championship. A much needed 19 – 19 draw at Cooke will have helped to lift morale after a four match losing run that started at Ballynahinch on the 31st December. Dromore’s points scorers against Cooke included tries scored by Michael Harshaw, Matty Russell and John Russell with scrum half Lee Steenson kicking two conversions.
Player coach Jonny Cullen has had to deal with an ever lengthening injury list after they defeated Omagh 21 – 15 at Barben Hill on the 17.12.16 with the coach himself being added to the injury list after dislocating his elbow. With three 1st xv props out injured along with Adam McDonald and Ali Kinghan the clubs physio Jeremy Ogle has his work cut out to get Adam McGregor, Michael Allen. Sam Russell and Ryan Cobb back to match fitness for the teams final league run in.
Bangor seconds v Larne
With Bangor 1st xv promoted to the Ulster Bank All Ireland League this season Bangor seconds are representing the club in the Towns Cup. They are determined to hold on to the Cup won by their 1st xv last season. They made a good start by winning their opening 1st round match away to City of Derry seconds. They face a talented Larne side who won their opening Towns Cup match at Virginia.
Both teams are in good form with Bangor seconds 4th in Div 1 of the Ulster rugby Provincial league and Larne 6th in Div 2 of the Kukri Ulster rugby championship. Bangor seconds defeated Dungannon seconds 11 – 10 at home last Saturday with Larne coming back from a 22 – 18 half time deficit at home to Limavady to win 30 – 22.
Bangor picked up another two concussion injuries in the 1st xv defeat at Bruff to add to their ever growing injury list. The impact has been that Bangor are resting players who would have played for the seconds with a crucial UBL match coming up next week away to Seapoint.
Despite all the set backs Bangor are going to have a good go at winning on Saturday as the team look to defend the Towns Cup.
Selection 1 – 17 includes Connor McIImurray, Charlie Clegg, Ben Worthington, Glenn Burton, James Stewart, James McMullan, James Ferguson, Conor Piper, Shaun Fair, Keith Rossan (Captain), David Charles, Taylor Ferguson, Adam McCusker. Full back position will be filled following a couple of late fitness tests on Thursday.
Larne Head coach Laurence Kelly was full of praise for the determination and pride shown by his players to defeat an inform Limavady team at the Glynn on Saturday. The players stuck to the game plan with Captain Eddie Hunter having an outstanding game at number 8. This week the coach will be fielding a weaker side due to the early kick off at 1 PM with several players away to the Scotland v Ireland game. His players will give it everything in their attempt to win this match at Upritchard Park.
Carrickfergus v Ballymoney
There was relief for Carrick coaches Davy Scott and Michael Rainey at the Tom Simms Memorial grounds last week, when the 1st xv ended a losing run to defeat Enniskillen 29 – 0. The priority for this Carrick side is to secure their place in Div 1 this season after winning promotion. Can a Cup run add to the potential for this playing squad to challenge for some silverware in the second half of the season
Ballymoney will be go into this match as the under dogs. With nothing to lose coaches Jonny Hanna and James Cleland will be looking to their players to put up a performance against a Div 1 side after being relegated form DIv 1 to Div 3 in successive seasons. The goal for the Kilraughts team is to play their way back up the leagues. Despite losing at Newry last Sat, Ballymoney remain favourites to win Div 3 and make a quick return to Div 2.
Clogher Valley v Rainey OB seconds
Back to back defeats against Instonians and Portadown in Div 1 have seen Clogher Valley slip back down into the battle to avoid finishing in 9th place and the playoffs. The goal for the Fivemiletown team will be to pick up valuable league points from their remaining five league games. One of the dilemmas for the Clogher side this season is not having a recognised place kicker. Despite scoring three tries in each of their last three matches they have won one and lost two.
Clogher had hoped to have the experienced Philip Home restored at out half after being out for several months with an injury with young Neil Trotter pressed into the kicking duties at scrum half in his absence. Like several Div 1 teams competing in the Towns Cup 2nd round their focus is on picking up league points from their remaining league games with their next two matches against Omagh and Ballyclare.
Clogher retain the same team that lost 30 – 19 at home to league leaders Instonians. Andy Breen returns to take his place in the centre with Philip Wilson returning to full back. Neil Cullen moves to the wing with Timmy Moore dropping down from the squad.
In the forwards the unavailable Ian Mulligan is replaced by Alex McKeown in the back row. Jonny Trimble keeps his place in the second row after a good performance against Instonians. Ronan McAleer comes on to the bench to replace the injured Philip Moore.
Clogher Valley are expecting a big crowd because of the clubs ties with Rainey through Derek Lee.
Rainey seconds were comfortable 42 – 18 winners at Donaghadee in the 1st round.
Dungannon seconds v Enniskillen
Another match that will attract a big crowd. Enniskillen are on a poor run with Head coach William Gibson looking a morale boosting win to kick start their season. Dungannon seconds have come through wins over Ballymena seconds and Lurgan 60 – 12 to start as firm favourites in this tie at Stevenson Park. Dungannon seconds slipped up at Bangor seconds last week losing 11 – 10 after defeating Provincial league Div 1 leaders Ballynahinch thirds at Stevenson Park. The addition of three Dilworth College players from New Zealand has boosted the Cup ambitions of this Dungannon team. The three players scored Dungannon’s four tries in their 27 – 17 win over Ballynahinch.
Portadown v Ballyclare
Head coach Richard Hedley was disappointed to see his team lose their league game on Saturday against Omagh 25 -13. His team had led 10 – 7 at the break and 13 – 10 in the second half before Omagh scored fifteen unanswered points to win. Portadown had lost their half backs Brian Forristal and Michael Orr to injury early in the match. Despite these set backs they reorganised and were hoping to build on their recent performances against Clogher Valley , Instonians and Ards.
Ballyclare Head coach Mike McKeever was impressed by the pace, strength and force Ards brought to their game at Ballyclare last week. They looked far from a side who are at the bottom of the league with only one point. He thought Stewart Paul playing out of position at scrum half assisted his team with the structure, energy, direction and leadership he brought to the team.
With Ballyclare in contention for the league title in Div 1 the coach will go with his strongest team in the first of back to back games with Portadown in the Cup this week at Chambers Park and the league at the Cloughan on Saturday week. He is also keen to rotate a few players to provide opportunity within the extended squad. With it being a Cup game the team get to play slightly differently to how they play in the league. The coach welcomes back Niall Lawther and Robbie Reid in the backs who were unavailable for the last two league games.
Both these teams met in the league at Chambers Park on the 8.10.16 with the home side winning 23 – 15.